5. Mickey’s of Glendale

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Mickey’s of Glendale is the Cast Member store located in Disneyland. Cast Members in Orlando can access all the same exclusive goodies from Walt Disney World by logging in through one of the computers on property. Like Company D, this store offers access to lanyards, pins, and other goodies that aren’t available to the general public.

4. Behind the Scenes Tours and Talks

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Disney publishes a new schedule every month of tours and classes that Cast Members can take advantage of. Many of these are held at Disney University, but others are spread throughout property. The offerings change regularly, but some of the most popular options include backstage tours of big attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, or the Great Movie Ride. Cast Members can also attend seminars led by the elusive Imagineers for an exciting peek at what’s in the works, what’s to come, and how it all gets done. Other common options include book signings and business classes.

3. Cast Member Gifts

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Cast Members get a special gift every Christmas. These typically trend toward plaques, ornaments, and other decorative items. Cast Members who open a new attraction or work through a special event or company anniversary may receive little gifts as well, like pins, lanyards, books, shirts, or other keepsakes.

The little pins that you see on Cast Member’s name tags are the most common reward for big anniversaries with the company, but those who have been around for decades can get some really great items, like statues, watches, or exclusive memorabilia. Managers will also organize special parties for these big anniversaries to honor long time Cast Members.

2. Property Control and Cast Connection

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Property Control and Cast Connection are two great backstage stores that offer Cast Members some of the best deals on property. Property Control manages Disney property that's no longer in use or damaged. These items are offered at steep discounts and often include great finds like furniture or dishware from resorts. One whole trailer is filled with damages that Disney can't sell to guests anymore. Some of these finds have obviously broken parts, but others are in such great shape you can't figure out what's wrong.

Cast Connection offers discontinued merchandise, or items that were overstocked. This store also carries staples at deep discounts. Cast Members can pick up milk, eggs, cheese, rice, salad greens, bananas, and more at rock bottom prices.

1. Magic Backstage Sweepstakes

The Magic Backstage Sweepstakes are an ongoing opportunity for Cast Members to win special perks. This might be a Vacations by Disney trip, night in Cinderella Castle, or other vacation-themed prize. It could also be an opportunity to sample new products and services. When Disney rolled out their new wristbands, Cast Members were the first to test them. The lucky participants who were selected got a free night at a Disney resort and Fast Passes to test with their wristbands.

Cast Members can also win chances to participate in special events like parade filming. They may get to help test ride enhancements by buckling up and taking a few ride throughs after hours. The opportunities change often, but always give Cast Members the chance to experience something special.

Much has been made of the fact that Disney’s hourly Cast Members start out around minimum wage, but the perks to these jobs go far beyond the paycheck. Working for Disney offers employees dozens of opportunities that Disney fans can only dream of.